Wind, Steam and Diesel
The importance and significance of the diesel pumping engines at Prickwillow Museum can be hard to understand, especially for children who have grown up in Fenland. We take the complex water drainage system for granted at our peril; it is of vital importance that the children of Fenland understand what a unique and special landscape they inhabit, and that they must play their part in preserving it.
The following films are resources developed for Prickwillow Museum and Ely Museum to help aid this understanding. They are available here on this website, for use in schools, as well as in both Museums as part of their education offering, and for the general visitor to enjoy.
The following films are resources developed for Prickwillow Museum and Ely Museum to help aid this understanding. They are available here on this website, for use in schools, as well as in both Museums as part of their education offering, and for the general visitor to enjoy.
Wind, Steam and Diesel
This film explores the development of the Fens from a watery sea of reeds to the landscape we know today.
Pumping Water
This short film of Pumping Water, written and read by Mike Delanoy, is a fun and entertaining introduction to Fenland drainage suitable for younger children.
The 1947 Floods
Our Fenland landscape is fragile. The devastating floods in February and March of 1947 showed just how fragile. In all, 34 of England’s counties were affected by the 1947 floods, but the southern Fens were hit particularly hard.
This article, by Cambridgeshire historian Mike Petty, provides more information on the 1947 Floods.
This project was funded by The Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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It was created by HistoryNeedsYou on behalf of Prickwillow Museum and Ely Museum, with the invaluable help of the following: Members and Committee, Prickwillow Museum; Malcolm Hensby, Stretham Old Engine; Mike and Lorna Delanoy; Andrew Newton and the staff of the Ely Internal Drainage Board; the staff and volunteers, National Trust Wicken Fen Nature Reserve; Adam Finch and John Marrow, WWT Welney Wetland Centre; Spike Stewart; A Merrie Noyse; Alison Jones, RES Ltd, and Visit Ely.
